MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2008
Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in Room 14 at the Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Harris and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
#1. MINUTES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 4, 2008 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#2. CORRESPONDENCE
None.
#3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
#4. MEET WITH WASTEWATER AND STORMWATER PLANNING COM.
Gary Hunt was present for the Committee. He stated the Committee asks that a warrant article seeking funding for a wastewater system be placed on the April Town Meeting warrant and as a debt exclusion at the May election.
Mr. Mauceri questioned why the Committee changed its mind concerning the placement of a warrant article for the Spring versus the October town meeting and November ballot.
Michael Prisco spoke in favor of the Committee’s proposal. He believed a sewer system is important in generating additional revenues.
Warren Pearce supports the proposal for placing a question before April town meeting.
Mr. Veno believes there would be a large turnout at the May election. He thinks multiple overrides might result in all questions being defeated. Mr. Veno said he would not block a question being on the May ballot, but believes it will kill the chances of the question being approved.
Mr. O’Leary stated the magnitude and cost of the proposed project is substantial. He is unsure of the financial implications of the project with only 3 weeks before he April town meeting. Mr. O’Leary does not think there is adequate time to educate the public to vote intelligently on the question.
Mr. Harris agrees the proposed project is very important. He feels the project could fail because there has not been enough outreach.
Rita Mullin stated the large number of voters present for the town meeting could be beneficial in seeking approval for the project.
Sean Delaney believed the project should be presented to town meeting at a later date.
Mr. Mauceri stated the Board of Selectmen has not decided on the financial elements of the proposed project, including the establishment of betterments. Mr. Mauceri reviewed the timing associated with the placement of a ballot question before voters. He can not support a warrant article for the April Town Meeting.
Mr. Mauceri suggested the WPAC make a presentation to the ATM under “committee reports” and then meet with the Board of Selectmen after April Town Meeting.
#6. SEASONAL LICENSES
TRANSIENT VENDOR
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RENEW THE SEASONAL TRANSIENT VENDOR LICENSE FOR THE SALE OF FLOWERS, CHRISTMAS TREES, ETC. AT 226 MAIN STREET FOR ROBERT CONNORS, 58 WYMAN STREET, WOBURN, MA TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0
HILLVIEW SNACKS
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RENEW THE COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSE FOR GFMI/HILLVIEW SNACKS, 149 NORTH STREET TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0
THOMSON CLUB PRO SHOP
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RENEW THE SEASONAL WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE CLUB LICENSE FOR THE THOMSON CLUB, INC. D/B/A PRO SHOP, 2 MID IRON DRIVE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0
ABCC FORM
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SIGN THE ABCC 2007 SEASONAL RENEWAL CERTIFICATION.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0
#7. SEASONAL LICENSE ESTIMATE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SIGN THE 2008 ABCC SEASONAL ESTIMATE FORM.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0
#8. APRIL TOWN MEETING
Mr. Mauceri made a Power Point presentation that reviewed budget actions from the March 12th hearing. Mr. O’Leary supports inclusion of: Building Maintenance small Capital at $25,000 and DPW Seasonal Help at $3,166 – totaling $28,166. Mr. Veno supports inclusion of all Town Administrator restorations at a cost of $88,956. Mr. Harris supports Assessors Software at $6,800, Call fire Salary at $6,245; Building Maintenance at $25,000 and DPW Seasonal salary at $3,166. Mr. Dardeno supports the same items as Mr. Harris with the
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SUPPORT MUNICIPAL ADDITIONS TOTALING
$41,211, INCLUDING ASSESSORS, CALL FIRE FIGHTERS SALARY, BUILDING
MAINTENANCE AND DPW SEASONAL HELP.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 4-1
The Board of Selectmen indicated support for including the following amounts for the municipal budget in the override question: Trash collection $223,820; Municipal Small Capital $85,200; DPW Park Salary $33,000; Recreation Salary 445,495; Recreation Expense $25,000, DPW/Police/Fire overtime $39, 407.
Total $451,922 restoration agreed by Board of Selectmen.
$1,163,936 Total Maximum Override amount. Mr. Mauceri stated the Override Amount still could be reduced by savings in health insurance.
Town Administrator Budget Revenues –
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE REDUCTIONS TOTALING $31,200 AND INCREASE
TO IT AND ASSESSING TOTALING $30,520.
MOTION BY: MR. DARDENO
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED:
APRIL TOWN MEETING WARRANTS
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SIGN THE APRIL 7, 2008 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SIGN THE APRIL 7, 2008 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0
The warrants were signed and attested to by Constable John Firriello.
#3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Pam Ellis asked for clarification on Mr. Veno’s comments on restoration of municipal positions. Mr. Jeffrey Yule inquired about the Board of Selectmen’s support for the Override question.
Deanna Castro also spoke.
#9. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The Town Administrator made the following report:
1. The Massachusetts Campaign for Open Government will recognize the Town’s municipal website for the 2nd consecutive year as having key public records online for easy access by the public. In addition, this year North Reading is one of only 16 other communities in the entire State that has “superstar” designation by offering more information than available than the standard for recognition. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend a ceremony at the State House tomorrow where the award will be presented.
2. The Police Chief and Fire Chief Assessment Centers are scheduled to be completed this week. MMA Consulting Group will be assessing candidates for the Police Chief position tomorrow and the Fire Chief candidates will be interviewed on Thursday. Both of these sessions are all day events and upon conclusion the consultant shall provide the results to HRD for certification as a civil service promotional list. I plan on attending both assessment centers together with a representative from HRD as observers. The results shall be forwarded to the Town and respective promotions may take place after HRD certifies the promotional list.
3. I am attaching the current year revenue report provided by the Finance Department. Revenues remain on-target for the FY 08, including Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. A large MVE commitment was issued during February. This commitment together with collections projects at 96% of the budgeted total for this account. Similarly, investment earnings are strong and will be supplemented by the anticipated $1,218,000 in Density Bonus payments from the Berry Center Chapter 40R grant. All documents in support of this payment have been completed and accepted by DHCD. I would like to correct a recent statement about the increase in trash fees
for FY 09. Full FEE FUNDING of the Sanitation budget would result in a total annual increase of $70 not $60, which had been discussed.
4. Executive Session: I recommend an executive session for the purposes of “collective bargaining or litigation strategy”. The executive session concerns ongoing Eisenhaures litigation.
5. Important Dates: I am taking one personal day this Friday. Next scheduled out of the office dates: MIIA loss control seminar on Wednesday.
James Perkins indicated his views on an Override question.
Mr. Bowers stated responsibility for funding Town services including police, fire and public works.
Lauren McMullin and Rita Mullin spoke in favor of the Recreation Department and Override amount.
#11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (9:45 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR
THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION STRATEGY, AND FURTHER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WILL RETURN TO OPEN SESSION THEREAFTER FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR.HARRIS: AYE MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE MR. VENO: AYE
MR. MAUCERI: AYE
10:10 PM The Board returned to open session.
ADJOURN
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
__________________ _________________________________
DATE MR. MICHAEL HARRIS, CLERK
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